Rosalinda Martinez is a social impact strategist on a mission to help organizations

create real social impact and lasting positive change for the ultimate good of serving

individuals and communities in need.

 

Rosalinda’s experience in bringing communities and philanthropy together, through an equity lens, has resulted in countless programs that have propelled the mission of many brands forward. She currently serves as the Texas Community Strategy Director at AARP, the nation’s largest social impact organization. AARP is a nonpartisan organization with over 2.4 million members in Texas, alone, dedicated to empowering people aged 50 and over. In her role, Rosalinda leads and manages AARP Texas’ social impact strategy, including outreach, communications, and advocacy campaigns towards improving the quality of life for older Americans across Texas.

 

Rosalinda is charged with directing the nonprofit’s community strategy, partnerships,

philanthropic giving, volunteer programs, and local advocacy. She also leads the Hispanic/Latino strategy ensuring access to resources and programming that are inclusive of the needs in our region.

 

Rosalinda holds a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in leadership from the University of Houston – Downtown. She received her B.A. in Communications and Spanish from the University of Houston.

 

Prior to joining AARP, Rosalinda served as the vice president of the Houston

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (Chamber), the largest Hispanic Chamber in the United States. She played a key role in launching the Emerging Leaders Institute at the Chamber, an initiative to connect and develop young professionals. As well, Rosalinda conceptualized and developed programs to align with corporate community strategies. She has also managed operations for the Greater Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

 

In service to her community, Rosalinda is a proud board member of the Houston Arts Alliance, Kids’ Meals, and the Woman’s Hospital of Texas and is a founding board member of Fit Houston. She also serves on the Equity Task Force of Houston 2036, is a Leadership Houston Class XXXVIII member, and a community volunteer with local nonprofits and organizations aimed at keeping Houston a region of opportunity.

 

Rosalinda has extensive experience in event strategy, campaigns, and public relations

working with corporate companies, nonprofits, and foundations. She has led the Hispanic/Latino outreach for the largest nonprofit in the United States, the largest Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the U.S. Department of Commerce.

 

In recognition of her many contributions to the community, Rosalinda’s most recent honors include being chosen as a Houston Business Journal 40 Under 40 Honoree, being recognized by the Institute of Hispanic Culture as a Hispanic Community Leader,

and being named Young Philanthropist of the Year by the Latino Learning Center - honoring COVID-19 Heroes. She also received the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion award for her community work to help communities of color in Houston and was recognized as a Women in the Fast Lane Role Model by the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce. Rosalinda was appointed by Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia as cochair for the Harris County Senior Care Facility Task Force to address challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

 

As a first-generation Mexican American and the first in her family to graduate from college, Rosalinda’s achievements are rooted in the unwavering determination of her parents, Jose and Maria Martinez. Immigrating to the United States from a remote town in Durango, Mexico, they carried with them the dream of a better life for their children. Jose began working in the California fields before moving to Houston over 40 years ago, where he became a CNC machinist.

 

Rosalinda recalls the times she spent teaching her father algebra with library books because he only had a second grade education. His self-determination to advance in his career, ultimately becoming a manager who uplifted others, instilled in her the importance of perseverance and giving back. It is this legacy of resilience that she carries into her own work, reflecting the values instilled in her by both parents.

 

In every role she takes on, Rosalinda embodies the spirit of her family—working tirelessly to make a difference and uplift those around her. Her journey is a testament to the power of dreams, hard work, and the impact of giving back, making her an inspiring figure for all who cross her path.

 

From taking spontaneous trips to Egypt to sailing the picturesque coasts of France and Italy, and cherishing her beloved Mexico, Rosalinda loves to travel. Passionate about animals, she shares her home with Peanut, a 15-year-old dog she rescued while volunteering at the SPCA. Rosalinda treasures moments spent with her friends and family, drawing inspiration from the bonds that enrich her life.

 

 

It is for all the reasons mentioned above, and many more, that Rosalinda Martinez has been named a Star Impact Maker for 2025.